Sugar and Salt
Just WOW! I mean WOW! I really do not know how to write a review for this absolutely moving story and give it all the love and credit it deserves.
Synopsis: Jerome "Sugar" Barnes learned the art of baking in his grandma's bakery, also called Sugar, on historic Perdita Street in San Francisco. He supplies baked goods to the Lost and Found Bookshop across the street.
When the restaurant that shares his commercial kitchen loses its longtime tenant, a newcomer moves in: Margot Salton, a barbecue master from Texas.
Margot isn't exactly on the run, but she needs a fresh start. She's taken care of herself her whole life, pulling herself up by her fingernails to recover from trauma, and her dream has been to open a restaurant somewhere far, far from Texas. The shared kitchen with Jerome Sugar's bakery is the perfect setup: a state-of-the-art kitchen and a vibrant neighborhood popular with tourists and locals.
Margot instantly takes to Jerome's grandmother, the lively, opinionated Ida, and the older woman proves to be a good mentor. Margot thinks Jerome is gorgeous, and despite their different backgrounds their attraction is powerful--even though Jerome worries that Margot will simply move on from him once she's found some peace and stability. But just as she starts to relax into a happy new future, Margot's past in Texas comes back to haunt her...
What appealed to you the most in this story?
Wiggs is a master when it comes to writing characters that you will fall in love with, and I cannot put into words how much I fell in love with Margot’s character. Following her story from a young lady to an adult just blew me away, especially her backstory.
To be honest with you, I was expecting a “fluffy” story and got so so much more. Margot’s story was deep, emotional, and at times traumatic. Her story is one that needs to be told, because it is based on so many truths that women in our society have gone through and are now dealing with more than ever. I’m not going to go into details because I will end up giving the story away, and I want you to experience this book and all the emotions that go with it.
This is book 4 in a series. Can it be read as a standalone?
Yes. I did not read the previous books in this series (you can bet your sweet butt I’m going to now) and I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
Would this make for a good group or buddy read?
Yes! I read this with Lina and we both were messaging each other nonstop once we were about a third of the way through the story. It’s going to be one you want to talk about while reading or afterwards for sure!
How was the pace?
This is a fast-paced book I completely binge read. It just sucks you in and makes you feel like your right there with the characters.
Do you recommend this book?
Yes!! Please, please, please read this truly powerful story, because it really has it all: found family, friends, heartache, romance, strength, and diversity. I guarantee that this story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
I do have to say that you may want to look up the trigger warnings for this book. The only reason I haven’t listed them is fear of creating a spoiler.
Thank you, William Morrow, and UpLit for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
